Spring viraemia of carp (SVC)
How to spot spring viraemia of carp (SVC), what to do if you suspect it and measures to prevent its spread.
Applies to England and Wales
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Contents
- How to spot SVC
- How SVC is spread
- Preventing and controlling SVC
- Further information on SVC
- Legislation relating to SVC
- Who to contact if you suspect SVC
Spring viraemia of carp (SVC) is a viral disease of common and ornamental carp (including hybrids) and other coarse and ornamental freshwater fish such as goldfish, wels catfish, bream and grass carp. It can affect all life stages and cause 100% mortality. Outbreaks have resulted in significant economic losses in businesses across England and Wales. More information on susceptible and vector species can be found here: Susceptible and vector species - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Great Britain is free from SVC and it is a ‘listed’ (also referred to as ‘notifiable’) disease which you are legally obligated to report immediately to the Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI), Cefas.
The disease is widespread in continental Europe and western Eurasia. Outbreaks within Great Britain are rare and often linked with imports of fish for ornamental and restocking purposes.
It does not affect humans.
How to spot SVC
SVC can occur as water temperatures rise above 5°C in the spring, and when temperatures are falling in the autumn. The ideal temperatures for the disease are between 11°C and 17°C.
Fish often become lethargic, separate from the shoal, and hang at water outlets and sides of ponds.
Signs of the disease can include:
- Enlarged abdomen/dropsy
- Bulging vent
- Trailing faecal casts
- Red and or bleeding at the base of fins and vent
- Red or bleeding patches of skin
- Bulging eyes
- Pale or bleeding gills
- Darkening of the skin
How SVC is spread
SVC is spread through close contact between infected fish, virus is released into the water from their gills and faeces. It can be spread through movements of infected fish, contaminated water, and contaminated equipment such as husbandry, angling and fish transport equipment.
Infected fish do not have to be sick or diseased to spread the virus.
Preventing and controlling SVC
There is no treatment for SVC.
Prevention is the best approach to disease control. You can protect your fish by being aware of the signs of SVC and other serious diseases and checking stock health regularly. Implement good husbandry and biosecurity practises. Further information on biosecurity measures plans, guidance and templates can be found here: Biosecurity Measure Plans - Information and Templates - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
You must be sure any fish introduced are SVC free. Do not buy fish of unknown origin. Follow the rules on importing, exporting and moving fish.
You must report it to the FHI immediately if you notice or become aware of fish showing any of the signs of SVC. The FHI will investigate and apply disease control measures if required.
Further information on SVC
World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Aquatic Manual chapter SVC.
Legislation relating to SVC
The Aquatic Animal Health (England and Wales) Regulations 2009
The listed diseases are in Regulation 1251/2008 as amended by the Animals, Aquatic Animal Health, Invasive Alien Species, Plant Propagating Material and Seeds (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020, at Chapter 2, Annex 1A and Schedule 1 of The Aquatic Animal Health (England and Wales) Regulations 2009.
Who to contact if you suspect SVC
If you suspect or know of a listed disease of fish or shellfish in England and Wales, you must report it immediately to the Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI), Cefas. You must also tell the FHI immediately if you know or suspect that increased mortality has occurred.
Under the Aquatic Animal Health (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 it is a legal obligation to report suspicion of SVC in any farmed or wild fish to the FHI. It is an offence under the Regulations to fail to inform the FHI of suspicion of SVC.
- Email: fhi@cefas.gov.uk
- Telephone: 01305 206700 - Monday to Thursday - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Friday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
- For emergencies out of hours telephone: 01305 206630
Fish Health Inspectorate
Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas)
Barrack Road, The Nothe
Weymouth
Dorset
DT4 8UB
Updates to this page
Last updated 11 September 2024 + show all updates
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Updated link to susceptible and vector species list.
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Updated susceptible/vector species list.
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First published.